DictionaryyapSharp barking
noun / verb

yap

To bark in short, sharp bursts.

The little dog yaps whenever someone walks past our gate.

Etymology

Yap imitates a short, sharp bark. The verb names that repeated sound, especially from a small dog.

More examples

  • A sharp yap from the terrier breaks the silence.
  • The puppy yapped twice when the doorbell rang.
  • We hear excited yaps as the dogs greet their owner.

Forms

yap · yaps · yapped · yapping

Similar words

bark
Bark covers dog sounds of any pitch or length.
yelp
Yelp suggests a sudden cry of pain, fear, or excitement.